July 17, 2017 12:49 PM PT1:49 PM MT2:49 PM CT3:49 PM ET19:49 GMT3:49 12:49 PM MST2:49 PM EST2:49 PM CT23:49 UAE15:49 ETNaN:� - Bell will play the 2017 season on a $12.1 million franchise tender after he and the Steelers could not come to an agreement on a long-term contract prior to Monday's deadline.Analysis: Bell is unquestionably one of the league's best all-purpose backs, though the fact that he's missed 14 games over the past two seasons due to injuries or suspensions likely made the Steelers hesitant to agree to a multi-year commitment. The 25-year-old is coming off an excellent 2016 campaign in which he led the NFL in scrimmage yards per game (157.0) and scored nine touchdowns in 12 games.

Feb. 27, 2017 12:27 PM PT1:27 PM MT2:27 PM CT3:27 PM ET20:27 GMT4:27 1:27 PM MST3:27 PM EST2:27 PM CT0:27 UAE (+1)15:27 ETNaN:� - The Steelers have placed the exclusive franchise tag on Bell, meaning no other team can sign him.Analysis: Under the franchise tag, he will receive a straight salary that is projected to be just over $12 million. That salary becomes guaranteed once Bell signs the contract, but the two sides still have until July 15 to come to terms on a multi-year deal.

Feb. 22, 2017 12:33 PM PT1:33 PM MT2:33 PM CT3:33 PM ET20:33 GMT4:33 1:33 PM MST3:33 PM EST2:33 PM CT0:33 UAE (+1)15:33 ETNaN:� - Bell, who was forced out of the AFC championship game because of a groin injury, is not expected to need surgery, Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reported Wednesday. Analysis: Bell rushed just six times for 20 yards during the Steelers' 36-17 loss in the AFC title game to the Patriots. After the game, Bell admitted to reporters that he managed the groin injury for "a couple weeks" and aggravated it against the Patriots.